How to Tell If Someone Has Tried to Break Into Your Home

Not every burglary attempt is successful. Criminals are sometimes disturbed, defeated by good locks, or simply sizing up your property for a future attempt. Knowing the signs of attempted entry can help you take action before they succeed.

Check your door locks for scratch marks around the keyhole — these can indicate that someone has attempted to pick the lock. Look for pry marks or gouges on the door frame near the lock, which suggest a crowbar or flathead screwdriver was used. Fresh damage to the edge of the door or around the handle can indicate an attempt to force the mechanism.

On uPVC and composite doors, look for marks on the euro cylinder — scoring, scratching, or the cylinder being slightly loose can indicate a snapping attempt that was abandoned before completion. Check whether the cylinder rotates freely, which could mean it's been partially compromised.

Check windows for marks on frames, broken or bent catches, and any disturbance to window locks. Look at ground-floor windows from outside — tool marks on the frame are a tell-tale sign.

Other indicators include footprints in flower beds beneath windows, displaced items near walls that could have been used to stand on, and gates or fences that have been opened or damaged.

If you notice any of these signs, report them to Greater Manchester Police on 101 and call a locksmith to assess and upgrade your security. Don't wait for a successful attempt. Call Oldham Locksmiths on 07949 139 475.